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How to keep your kids safe on social media when heading back to school

In June, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the 'SAFE' for Kids Act into law. It requires social media companies to restrict addictive feeds on their platforms for users under 18.

Julia Burns

Aug 22, 2024, 10:36 AM

Updated 91 days ago

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It's weeks away from the start of school, and local politicians are pushing for restrictions on phones in schools.
In June, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the 'SAFE' for Kids Act into law. It requires social media companies to restrict addictive feeds on their platforms for users under 18.
Earlier this week on News 12's "Ask the Mayor," Mayor Eric Adams talked about banning cellphones in schools.
"So we're now looking at a strongly encouraged, to a full ban, some schools are already voluntarily doing that and they're saying it's worked out," said Mayor Adams.
News 12 spoke with Lehman College counseling professor Stuart Chen-Hayes on how you can start a conversation to keep the kids in your life safe.
“Let’s start with positive reinforcement, what do you get from it what do you learn what are the things that work really well. Then I’d say what are the horror stories? What have you heard or seen? Have your friends gotten in trouble? Then I’d move in to how do we keep you safe," said Professor Chen-Hayes.
News 12 reached out to the Department of Education for comment on the possible ban of cellphones in schools but has not heard back.